There are a lot of things to take into consideration when building a pool – the size, where it will be located, and what features you want it to have. But one factor that can have a significant impact on the atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of your poolscape are the pool finishes you choose.

Pool Finishes and Surface Options

Today's pool owner has a number of options when it comes to pool finishes, and even more options when it comes to color and texture. Our design experts at Tampa Bay Pools will work closely with you to determine which one will best fit your needs.

Read on below to learn more about the options available and the pros and cons of each.

Paint

Paint is popular for two reasons: it's inexpensive and you have a variety of color options available to you. The primary drawback is that paint has a considerably shorter lifespan than the other pool finishes on this list, and it does not deliver that same level of modern sophistication other surfaces offer.

Plaster

Basic plaster is a budget-friendly pool finish that leaves pools feeling smooth to the touch. The downside to this type of finish is that it does need to be replaced every 8 to 12 years, and it can suffer from wear and tear resulting in cracks, chips or hollow spots. It also stains more easily than other pool finishes.

Tile

Basic tiling gives pool owners the opportunity to create unique color combinations and shapes throughout their entire poolscape. Tiling can be the most flexible in terms of design, though it is more costly in comparison to paint and plaster.

Glass Tile

Arguably the most sophisticated of the pool finishes, glass tiling transforms pools into a glimmering mosaic of brilliant colors. Incredibly durable and long lasting, glass tiling is also one of the more expensive pool finishes on our list.

Aggregate

Aggregate pool finishes come in an array of colors and they are more durable than standard plaster. While expensive, if the pool is well maintained these pool finishes will stand the test of time.

PebbleTec

Textured and delivering a one-of-a-kind sparkle, natural pebble pool finishes like PebbleTec are in high demand since they are as durable as they are beautiful. Pool owners beware, however, as applying pebble pool finishes can take over one week to complete (but the results are certainly worth the wait).

About Tampa Bay Pools

Tampa Bay Pools is a custom pool builder serving Tampa Bay, Brandon, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg areas, who understands the importance and value of your own backyard escape. That’s why we build spectacular new inground swimming pools that are easy to maintain.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! As you spend more of your time outdoors, you may find yourself thinking of ways to add a little more life and color to your Tampa Bay pool area. Here we have compiled a few of our favorite ideas for homemade planter options from around the web. Often inspired by objects they already had on hand, these imaginative folks turned trash into treasure to show us that there is no limit to what can be turned into eye-catching plant homes!

Turn Trash Into Treasure!

Take our first example above. A rusty old wheelbarrow with a flat tire and an improvised replacement handle was destined for the junk yard before a few drilled holes and a cute, stenciled monogram transformed it into an interesting and colorful focal point for the garden!

While recycling is great, repurposing is just as awesome. Check out what this crafter did with #10 cans and some craft paint! We love how the bright colors accented by metallic gold really made a simple seating area pop! (Just remember to punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage.)

You will never guess what this next homemade planter is made of. It's nothing more than some cheap burlap, a length of rope and... a broken plastic laundry basket! Yes, you read that right! With the help of a little duct tape and hot glue, a piece of junk set out on the curb was turned into a chic and simple outdoor accent, proving once again that you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot. All that is required is a little creativity!

With a little practice, anyone can start to see the possibilities in unconventional materials. For instance, who knew that seashells, long appreciated for their complex and beautiful natural structures, could also make such excellent planters for succulents? Succulents are fascinating, hardy plants that require little water and can root in just about anything. Bring a laidback, beachy element to your Florida pool with this easy idea.

Got any cinder blocks lying around? Then you've got the makings of an intriguing and infinitely configurable backyard planter! From just a few, to several dozen, cinder blocks can be used in a variety of ways to create clean, geometric designs that perfectly compliment a contemporary pool or outdoor living space. What is more, their open interiors seem made to order for tucking in plants! Mix in some cedar or teak wood elements for an ultra-sophisticated Zen garden look.

Browse through our Galleries to help identify your personal style. For more great ideas and food for thought while designing your outdoor spaces, download Tampa Bay Pools' free ebook How to Plan the Perfect Backyard!

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Hear From Our Clients

Hear From Our Clients

Chris & Erin Grassmuck I just wanted to pass along my thanks to you and your team. I had tried to get several pool companies out to look at our pool. No one would come out, and a few wouldn't even return phone calls. This was extremely frustrating.Your repair man was very ...

Last Thursday, I was put in contact with Ken McKenna of Tampa Bay Pools. We agreed to a very favorable upgrade of the pool surface that would delight the two of us. In one week, all the work was completed, with Ken keeping me informed on a daily ...

It has been a pleasure to do business with you and Tampa Bay Pools. For the past 13 years, you and your company have proven to be dependable, and the products used are of first rate quality.As a custom home builder, I work in very closely with my ...

Tampa Bay Pools, Ken McKenna and staff have done an excellent job of handling Suarez Housing Corporation account. Our pool construction is handled in a professional manner with on-time construction and follow-up service. Ken has been more than helpful in handling repairs needed on pools built by previous ...

I wanted to take a moment and thank you, Linda and your superior staff for providing our customers with not just a great pool, but a wonderful experience. Working with you and your staff for the past seven years has been a very rewarding experience.My staff and our ...

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude with your generosity and professionalism in the completion of my pool. I am so happy to say that you are truly a man of your word. Everything you said would happened did happen. The pool was completed in the time ...

I would like to take the opportunity to tell you how happy we are with you and Tampa Bay Pools. The pool is absolutely beautiful and everything we've ever wanted. You turned our dream into a reality, and I can't thank you enough for helping us.After experiencing our ...

Your company did an outstanding job in getting our pool done. We love the pool and everyone that visits us knows Tampa Bay Pools put it in. You provided information that walked us through the process, and your staff was very helpful henever we call. Thank you very ...

Darla and I researched pool contractors for three months before choosing a builder. We interviewed pool supply stores and visited nearly every model home in the Tampa area. We asked for honest and dependable pool builders. Tampa Bay Pools was highly recommended by many.Next we asked numerous pool ...

We wanted to take a moment to share with you our experience with some of your representatives. Tim Sherrone was our project manager, and from the first meeting, we established an excellent rapport with him. We were extremely impressed with his work ethic and attention to detail. Tim ...